Graeme Souness thinks Spurs are “still a long way off” being “the real deal” like Liverpool with Harry Kane the only player that would get in their line-up.
Tottenham are currently leading the Premier League title race but the Reds are still level on points with Jose Mourinho’s men after they were held to a draw by Fulham.
Spurs also drew their match over the weekend on the road at Crystal Palace and that result means the two sides are still neck and neck after 12 matches.
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However, Souness reckons only Kane, who has formed a deadly partnership with Heung-min Son this season, would make Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.
“Liverpool are the real deal in every department and Spurs are still a long way off that,” Souness told The Times.
“The only Spurs player who would get in Liverpool’s line-up is Kane, because Sadio Mane can do everything Son can, and will also go to war with you.
“I don’t see Liverpool getting mugged as easily as Arsenal did, though there is more chance of it happening without Virgil Van Dijk and Fabinho, their best defensive midfielder, in the back four.”
On Spurs boss Mourinho, Souness added: “Mourinho deserves credit for how he has set up Spurs.
“He had a look at what he’s got and said, ‘this is the way to get the best out of these players and get results’.
“Whether he gets the backing long-term and enjoys a bit of luck in the transfer market to evolve, as he did at Chelsea, time will tell.
“The word is out now on how they will play in the big games, sitting in. It’s going to be a difficult watch, but it will be accepted by the fans in the short term if it brings success.
“Two League Cups in 29 years is not enough for a big club.”